SXSW Review: Get Low

Contrary to pop culture, the term Get Low is not in reference to getting one’s ass as close to the floor as possible, but an old expression regarding getting your affairs in order. Watching this movie gives us inspiration for how we may handle our own interment. In this film, Robert Duvall wants to plan his own funeral knowing his death is impending. Problem is, not too many people in his Tennessee town want to attend his funeral. Duvall’s character, Felix Bush is known for being a bitter, old recluse who actually shoots at anyone who trespasses on his land. So, in attempt to up the attendance at funeral, he wants to make it a “funeral party” that Felix himself will be at. He has even thrown in his own house and land in a raffle.

The film itself was very appealing to look at. The very first scene shows a burning house off in the distance with a man on fire running from it. It prefaces the film’s big secret, which Bush has been hiding for so many years. With the help of two local funeral directors, played by Bill Murray and Lucas Black, Bush is able to have his party and eventually reveal this big mystery. The movie did a great job in recreating a Southeastern town in the 1930s. The costumes and the characters were fantastically authentic. The highlight , of course, was Bill Murray doing what he does best in providing comic relief throughout the film.

However, the accolades pretty much stop there. With such a fantastic cast, (not forgetting the veteran Sissy Spacek as Felix Bush’s jilted ex) there was very little use of their talents. The story line wasn’t horrible but definitely left much to be desired. In fact the “big secret” surrounding the entire movie doesn’t turn out to be that big of a deal. All in all, it was a very visually appealing movie that tells a very simple story — with an awesome Bill Murray.